WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
Rates of type 2 diabetes, the most common type, have been on the rise in recent years. In Oklahoma, the rise is even more rapid. Each day, thousands of Oklahoma families, friends and communities work to manage this disease that can come with a host of complications.
Prediabetes is where your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Many Oklahomans are in this stage and don’t know it. Prevention is key. The good news? In most cases it can be prevented by talking to your doctor, choosing a healthy diet and getting your daily 30 minutes of physical activity.
Check out these tips to get you moving toward a healthier life and future.
1. Freshen up your food choices.
Limit your consumption of fatty, fried foods and sweets. Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies at every meal. Browse dozens of healthy recipes here.
2. H2-Ohhh yeah!
Swap sugary drinks like soda and juice for water. This strategy will help you dodge empty calories and shocking amounts of sugar. Try infusing water to give it some pizzazz. Check out our fun recipes here.
3. Give diabetes a run (or walk) for its money.
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Kids need at least 60 minutes each day and adults need 30. Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, which means your body needs less insulin to keep it running. Get started today with these tips.
4. When you snooze, you don’t lose.
Be sure to get enough sleep every night. It can improve your health and prevent the onset of chronic diseases. Sleep needs vary from person to person, and they change as you age. Adults should shoot for 7-8 hours every night, and children should aim for about 10.
5. Be tobacco free.
Tobacco use can increase blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance. Smokers have almost twice the risk of developing diabetes as nonsmokers. Click here to learn more about the benefits of living tobacco free!
For more on diabetes, click here.
For tons of resources on how you can live a healthier life, visit ShapeYourFutureOK.com.